[2015 ITM Cup] Discussion

[Mcfadden]

Lol, he reminds me of a young Ric Flair actually.

 

[ABs2015]

Such a shame that we don't get much ITM chatter on here as the rugby has been really impressive. I made a quick list of some of the guys who have impressed me this year. Anyone else that you guys have felt has really stood out?

Mitchell Dunshea (Lock, Canterbury)
Vaea Fifita (Blindside, Wellington)
Pete Samu (Blindside, Tasman)
Ardie Savea (Openside,Wellington)
Mitchell Karpik (Openside, Auckland)
Akira Ioane (8, Auckland)
Mitchell Drummond (Halfback, Canterbury)
Brad Weber (Halfback, Waikato)
Marty Banks (10, Tasman)
Ihaia West (10, HB )
Damian McKenzie (10, Waikato)
Anton Lienart-Brown (Centre, Waikato)
Richard Buckman (Centre, HB )
Johny McNicholl (Wing, Canterbury)
Tevita Li (Wing, NH)

 

[Mcfadden]

For more ITM Cup talk, check out the "Round 1" thread in this section. The ***le says the discussion is just for round 1, but it's been continuing over the weeks.

 

[ABs2015]

For more ITM Cup talk, check out the "Round 1" thread in this section. The ***le says the discussion is just for round 1, but it's been continuing over the weeks.

Ah ok, didn't read it as I figured it was just round 1. I'll check it out.

 

[ABs2015]

Was just signed up by the Hurricanes. He is certainly an athlete.

He loves the intercept too huh! Does anyone know what this kids international ambitions are?

Yep, Tasman look like certainties to be repeat-finalists this year. And Canterbury look like how Canterbury usually looks. Having Nepo Laulala there is a big boost. The man who could overtake Owen Franks after the World Cup in my opinion.

Anyone seen that blonde kid at number 7 for Auckland? Mitch Karpik? He's showing promise.

Yeah I've been really impressed with him too - I posted a bit of a list of the guys that I've thought are really looking solid this ITM cup over on that different thread. Karpik was one of the first guys I wrote down. He works perfectly with A Ioane as well - very complementary players!

The other relatively new guy that has caught me eye, albeit briefly, is Mitchell Dunshea for Canterbury. Another kid that has come though the age groups.

 

[smartcooky]

For more ITM Cup talk, check out the "Round 1" thread in this section. The ***le says the discussion is just for round 1, but it's been continuing over the weeks.

Perhaps a Mod might change the ***le for us to "ITM Cup discussion" ?

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Perhaps a Mod might change the ***le for us to "ITM Cup discussion" ?

Your wish is my command!

 

[ABs2015]

What about Michael Little? The son of Walter Little, I think this is his first season in the ITM cup. I don't make much of an effort to watch NH games but the last few weeks Little has impressed me in what I have seen. He looks very strong over the ball gaining turnovers quite regularly, he runs good lines, tackles well, and seems to have developed good combinations quickly with Vaega on his outside and Halangahu on his inside. Also Matt McGhan looks to be finding a home at fullback as well. This kid has had big raps on him for some time and does finally seem to be showing some consistent form. Also runs good lines and has a really nice fend.

Overall NH seems to have finally turned a corner as well. They are playing their best rugby in many seasons.

 

[Shaggy]

What about Michael Little? The son of Walter Little, I think this is his first season in the ITM cup. I don't make much of an effort to watch NH games but the last few weeks Little has impressed me in what I have seen. He looks very strong over the ball gaining turnovers quite regularly, he runs good lines, tackles well, and seems to have developed good combinations quickly with Vaega on his outside and Halangahu on his inside. Also Matt McGhan looks to be finding a home at fullback as well. This kid has had big raps on him for some time and does finally seem to be showing some consistent form. Also runs good lines and has a really nice fend.

Overall NH seems to have finally turned a corner as well. They are playing their best rugby in many seasons.

I think it was Buck Shelford that was saying after the match, that Little was by far the best back in NH club rugby ... I wonder whether he'll get the opportunity to team up with Jordan Bunce at some stage

From a Makos point of view (and not taking anything away from North Harbour), I'm a little bit concerned how our second stringers started last night ... just seems to make so much difference when Marty Banks is on the field

 

[ABs2015]

I think it was Buck Shelford that was saying after the match, that Little was by far the best back in NH club rugby ... I wonder whether he'll get the opportunity to team up with Jordan Bunce at some stage

From a Makos point of view (and not taking anything away from North Harbour), I'm a little bit concerned how our second stringers started last night ... just seems to make so much difference when Marty Banks is on the field

Ah good, so others are seeing something in him as well - thats good to know.

Man, I wouldn't worry too much about your Makos. They made a whole host of changes for that game, including half their forwards and both of the inside backs and they still won comfortably. Renata is not a great player but he'd probably be one of the best back up 10s in the ITM cup - Super Rugby experience and all.

I'd have the Makos at the very least making the final this year and they look well drilled enough to beat Canterbury as well. They are a good team, well coached, good players in the right positions, and a really good mix of youth and experience.

 

[smartcooky]

What a comeback by Otago... two converted tries in the last 2½ minutes to steal a 37-36 win over Wellington 37-36

 

[Tony Manx]

I have just seen Stephen Donald on TV in a Waikato jersey - nearly said "playing" but that would be over the top!!

How on earth has he conned another team into paying him a salary or has he reverted to being an amateur?!!

 

[ABs2015]

So, the ITM Cup is starting to look pretty clear cut.

Whilst Taranaki have gotten things back on track and Auckland are looking pretty good I can't see anything else but a Tasman Canterbury final - which should be a pretty epic match. Tasman are just a class act, even their second stringers look good - Im picking they win this year.

In the Championship, despite Otago's great win over Wellington, I can't see anything else but a HB Wellington final, and given the injuries Wellington are starting to mount up, a probable HB win.

Anyone else seeing this any differently? Probably the biggest threats to what I have outlined above are Auckland and Otago, but I just can't see it.

 

[Kiwi_]

I have a disgusting confession to make. I turned the game off in the 75th minute against Wellington when we were 36-23 down vs Wellington and had just knocked the ball on... I was so *****ed off at myself the next morning. I should know better than to never turn the TV off with Otago.

 

[Shaggy]

Auckland beat the Makos at home ... I didn't watch it, but hope it was just the four day turn around thing ...

 

[ABs2011]

Auckland beat the Makos at home ... I didn't watch it, but hope it was just the four day turn around thing ...

I watched it. I personally don't think Tasman should start Renata if Banks is fit. They had Banks at 15 but they lacked the cohesion I have been used to in the backs. That was one issue for Tasman.

The other was not putting the points on the board when they had the chance from about 45min to 65min. They were on attack a lot and came up empty.

That being said, they were outplayed and the big Auckland ball runners + Karpik were the difference. Ioane, Moala, Piutau, Aso, Lam, Edwards carried well and made the advantage line/broke the line much more than their Tasman counterparts.

I had previously thought that Auckland lacked a bit in the halves to win the comp, but perhaps the Hickey boys are good enough to give them a shot at the Premiership. That being said I think Canterbury are just far too structured for Auckland, so even if Auckland makes the final Im not sure they can win it.

 

[Kiwi_]

Such a shame that we don't get much ITM chatter on here as the rugby has been really impressive. I made a quick list of some of the guys who have impressed me this year. Anyone else that you guys have felt has really stood out?

Mitchell Dunshea (Lock, Canterbury)
Vaea Fifita (Blindside, Wellington)
Pete Samu (Blindside, Tasman)
Ardie Savea (Openside,Wellington)
Mitchell Karpik (Openside, Auckland)
Akira Ioane (8, Auckland)
Mitchell Drummond (Halfback, Canterbury)
Brad Weber (Halfback, Waikato)
Marty Banks (10, Tasman)
Ihaia West (10, HB )
Damian McKenzie (10, Waikato)
Anton Lienart-Brown (Centre, Waikato)
Richard Buckman (Centre, HB )
Johny McNicholl (Wing, Canterbury)
Tevita Li (Wing, NH)

Yep, you missed Naulia Dawai from Otago, 4 tries in his last two games, 8 overall in the competition, perfect replacement for Nasi Manu. Tim Boys from Southland also deserves a nod.

 

[ABs2011]

Yep, you missed Naulia Dawai from Otago, 4 tries in his last two games, 8 overall in the competition, perfect replacement for Nasi Manu. Tim Boys from Southland also deserves a nod.

Yeah, I've seen his name in the score sheets and watched a few of his highlights but haven't seen him enough to really comment other than that he seems quite an athletic strong running guy. Would need to see how he gets around the park, how he tackles, hits rucks etc to get a real feel for him. Have you seen him play a few full games? Is he a specialist #8?

He's Fijian though right? Is his allegiance to them rather than NZ for international stuff? I have the same question re Vaea Fafita as well (although he is Tongan as I understand).

Tim Boys? mmm, of course he is a good player, really good at ITM cup level, and can obviously do the job at Super Rugby as well, but I can't see him going any further than that tbh. The list I've been making along the way is potential future ABs.

 

[Kiwi_]

Yeah, I've seen his name in the score sheets and watched a few of his highlights but haven't seen him enough to really comment other than that he seems quite an athletic strong running guy. Would need to see how he gets around the park, how he tackles, hits rucks etc to get a real feel for him. Have you seen him play a few full games? Is he a specialist #8?

He's Fijian though right? Is his allegiance to them rather than NZ for international stuff? I have the same question re Vaea Fafita as well (although he is Tongan as I understand).

Tim Boys? mmm, of course he is a good player, really good at ITM cup level, and can obviously do the job at Super Rugby as well, but I can't see him going any further than that tbh. The list I've been making along the way is potential future ABs.

I didn't realize you were drafting a potential All Black short list. They are both great players for their provinces, but never AB level (maybe Dawai can play for Fiji in the future). Dawai is Fijian but he came through club Rugby in Dunedin, he's a Harbour boy, damn good player. I suggest you should keep an eye on Otago games, they're the most entertaining games in the competition, check out the score lines and their attitude towards a deficit is great, they're never down and out and play to the last whistle.

We have the strongest rolling maul in the competition, Dawai has been used mainly as an impact player in the earlier games but has cemented a starting spot from match winning performances, he's a great ball carrier and really strong tackler, at times he can lack a little vision, but he's excellent and definitely should be on your list.

 

[Shaggy]

So it looks as if the Crusaders have signed the Makos flanker Pete Samu - I'm pretty happy about that

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/72268594/crusaders-sign-tasman-makos-flanker-pete-samu